WDC Members Plead For Salaries

Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Monday September 4, 2017 16:52

During a comments and questions session, Somerset-Extension WDC chairperson, Reverend Phillip Butale pleaded for WDCs to be salaried arguing that the P320 allowance they get does not tally with the duties they perform.

“How do you expect Ipelegeng workers to respect us if they earn more than us?

 We only get P320 sitting allowance and have to manage people who take home P620 per month,” he said.

He added that WDCs also carry out some of the duties performed by councillors and Members of Parliament (MPs) during funerals and other activities.

Central WDC chairperson, Kirby Bukha added that although WDCs are not meant to give people handsome financial rewards, incentives have to be increased in order to attract skilled people.

“We have people who have skills and are willing to be part of WDCs but they are deterred by the little financial rewards,” said Bukha.

Bukha said if WDCs can be able to attract people with exceptional skills they will maximise their role in the community.

The chairperson of the committee and also MP for Francistown East, Buti Billy readily agreed with concerns raised by WDCs.

He said WDCs should be rewarded and recognised for the important role they play in their communities and governing of the country.

“In reality, when you give someone responsibilities, the rewards should tally with the responsibilities. Even the resources should be adequate to ensure that responsibilities are executed well. This should apply in the case of WDCs,” he said.

The legislator said they will raise concerns of WDCs members in Parliament.